A Neligh woman thought she was saving money and helping a local business by using the new Cubbys app on her smartphone. Turns out, it was even more beneficial because she won a year's worth of free gas, too.

Lauren Sheridan-Simonsen of Neligh downloaded the Cubby's app and immediately started receiving three cents off of her gas purchases and other discounts on items. She didn't even realize that everyone who downloaded the app in May would be entered into a drawing for $2,600 in free gas.

She was notified recently by email and was presented the gift cards by Cubby's president Delone Wilson and Neligh manager Kevin Socha on Thursday morning.

Wilson said customers are really excited about the app because not only are their coupons and discounts at their fingertips, but it also offers free items. That's not free with purchase, Wilson clarified, those are items people can receive simply by having the barcode on the app scanned at the register.

"Usually we have two to three items in the store that are free on the app," Wilson said. "They just show the app, scan it and it's free. There are several discounts, as well. It's very simple."

Among the discounts are for the kitchen, including Godfather's Pizza. Socha said the Neligh convenience store is back to having the kitchen open every evening.